Artificial manes

ABSTRACT

Device for protecting parts ( 9, 12 ) of an animal ( 8 ) from pests, which can be releasably attached to one or more of the parts ( 9, 12 ) of the animal ( 8 ) which are to be protected, which device ( 1 ) comprises an elongate, flexible strip, from which strip one or more ribbons of flexible material ( 2 ) lead, extending on at least one side of the strip, in which device the flexible strip comprises one or more substantially dimensionally stable, curved positioning components ( 3 ) which are suitable for locating the flexible strip on substantially a central line of the part or parts ( 9, 12 ) of the animal ( 8 ) which is/are to be protected.

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for protecting parts ofan animal from pests, which can be releasably attached to one or more ofthe parts of the animal which are to be protected, which devicecomprises an elongate, flexible strip, from which strip one or moreribbons of flexible material lead, extending on at least one side of thestrip.

[0002] A device of this type is known in the prior art. U.S. Pat. No.3,778,966 describes a facial fly mask for a horse. This mask comprises abelt system which can be tied around the head of the horse. One of thebelts comprises a number of strands which hang down from it over theface of the horse. The strands serve to protect against pests, forexample flies.

[0003] The known device has a number of drawbacks. The device has to belocated around the head of the horse with the aid of a number of belts.This may be unpleasant and may, for example, pinch the horse. Also,objects can get caught behind the belts, which can cause danger. Thesedrawbacks are sometimes put up with, since a horse is often alreadywearing a bridle, for example for the reins to be attached to. However,the said device is not suitable for protecting other parts of a horseagainst pests. Particularly if the neck and/or the hindquarters of ananimal, especially draught and riding animals, such as horses, is to beprotected, it is difficult to locate the known device without using alarge number of belts. In the event of head movements, especially to theleft, to the right or downwards, there is a considerable risk of thedevice slipping, with the result that the protective action is to alarge extent lost.

[0004] It is an object of the present invention to provide a solution tothe above drawbacks, and to this end the device is characterized in thatthe flexible strip comprises one or more substantially dimensionallystable, curved positioning components which are suitable for locatingthe flexible strip on a central line of the part or parts of the animalwhich is/are to be protected.

[0005] A device of this type can be used to protect various parts ofanimals against pests, such as mosquitoes, flies, etc. The substantiallydimensionally stable, curved positioning components bear substantiallyagainst a central line on the surface of the body part which is to beprotected and partially surround it, in this way holding the device inthe correct position. The device is particularly suitable for animalswhich do not have a mane or other natural body protection against pests.

[0006] The positioning components also make it easier to fit the deviceon an animal. Unambiguous contact between the positioning components andthe body parts which are to be protected ensures rapid, accuratepositioning. It is then easy to fix the device in place, for example byfixing it to the bridle and the saddle.

[0007] In the present context, the term substantially dimensionallystable is understood as meaning that the positioning components areslightly flexible, i.e. can be deformed under a load but return to theiroriginal shape after the load is removed. Therefore, the elasticitymeans that the positioning components can exert a certain force, whichis used when locating the device.

[0008] When the device is being used, it is fitted along a central lineof the body part of the animal which is to be protected. In practice,this central line is usually a part of the backbone of the animal, apart of the line between the end of the nose and the top of the head ora combination thereof. The protection provided by the device will bemost effective if the flexible strip is positioned on the central lineof the body part which is to be protected. However, it is also possiblefor the flexible strip to be arranged slightly adjacent to the centralline or in a type of zigzag line along the central line.

[0009] The flexible strip allows movements in all directions. Thisensures unambiguous contact between the device and the body part whichis to be protected in all positions. There is also a considerablefreedom of movement and the device is very comfortable for the animal towear.

[0010] GB-A-1 588 707 has already disclosed a mane cover for horses.This is a device for holding the shape of styled horse's manes andcomprises a piece of cloth which is tied around the neck and over themane of the horse with the aid of belts. The cloth covering can beexpected to provide some protection against pests. However, the deviceis attached with the aid of belts, and therefore has the drawbacksreferred to in the introduction. In addition, covering with cloth is inmany cases too hot. Moreover, if the cloth is selected to be very thin,in practice protection against flying insects will be low, since theycan land on the cloth and therefore, since the cloth is tied onto theskin of the animal, can still reach the skin.

[0011] The substantially dimensionally stable, curved positioningcomponents of the device according to the invention may, for example,comprise a part of a circle or another curve. If part of the positioningcomponents extend towards one side of the flexible strip and part of thepositioning components extend towards the other side of the flexiblestrip, it is possible to achieve a sufficient locating action. In thiscase, sliding to either side is prevented by at least one positioningcomponent.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment of the device according to theinvention, at least part of the positioning components extend, startingfrom the flexible strip, towards both sides of this strip. In this way,a sufficient locating action can be obtained with a small number ofpositioning components, for example only one or a few of thesecomponents.

[0013] Advantageously, one or more of the positioning components formsubstantially a right angle with the flexible strip. In this context,the term substantially a right angle is understood as meaning that theangle between the axis of the positioning components and the axis of theflexible strip at the location of their connection forms an angle of atleast 60°, preferably of 90°. With an angle of this type between thepositioning components and the flexible strip, a good locating action isachieved in an effective way. Preferably, all the positioning componentsform substantially a right angle with the flexible strip.

[0014] The shape of the positioning components is not particularlylimited. Preferably, however, the curvature of one or more of thepositioning components substantially follows the local curvature of thepart or parts of the animal which is/are to be protected substantiallyperpendicular to the central line thereof. In this embodiment, thecontact between the positioning component and the one or more parts ofthe animal which is/are to be protected is optimum, yet ensuring thatthe device is very comfortable to wear. However, it is also possible forthe positioning components to be shaped differently, for example to beV-shaped, which can provide a lightly clamping action for most sizes ofthe body parts which are to be protected.

[0015] Advantageously, one or more positioning components are provided,the curvature of which substantially does not follow the local curvatureof the part or parts of the animal which is/are to be protectedperpendicular to the central line thereof. By way of example, apositioning component of which the curvature substantially follows thelocal curvature of the part or parts of the animal which is/are to beprotected perpendicular to the central line thereof is alternated withone or more positioning components of which the curvature substantiallydoes not follow the local curvature of the part or parts of the animalwhich is/are to be protected perpendicular to the central line thereof.In this embodiment, the positioning components of which the curvaturedoes not follow that of the body part can keep at least a section of theribbons of flexible material away from the skin of the animal over atleast a section of their length. Not only does this increase the comfortfor the animals wearing the device, but also is particularly effectivesince this increases the distance between at least a section of theribbons of fl xible material and the skin of the animal. As a result,insects are unable to reach the skin of the animal even after they havelanded on the ribbons of flexible material. Moreover, the ribbons canmove even more easily on account of reduced contact with the skin of theanimal.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the device according to theinvention, at least one of the ribbons of flexible material isconnected, over a section of its length, to one or more positioningcomponents. In this way, the ribbons of flexible material can beeffectively oriented at least in the region of where they are connectedto the flexible strip. This provides a high level of protection againstthe ribbons of flexible material becoming tangled with one another.Moreover, the connection to the positioning components ensures that theribbons of flexible material, at least over the length of the connectionto the positioning components, follow the curvature thereof. Thisprevents ribbons of flexible material getting between positioningcomponents whose curvature does not at that location follow thecurvature of the body part which is to be protected and therefore stillreaching the skin of the animal. This could cause the protective actionof the particular curvature of the positioning component to be locallyreduced.

[0017] The one or more ribbons of flexible material are not particularlylimited in terms of their shape. In principle, it is possible to selectonly one wide ribbon of flexible material which extends oversubstantially the entire length of the flexible strip. Movements of theanimal can ensure that the strip folds over towards that part of thebody where protection against pests is desired.

[0018] The device preferably comprises a plurality of ribbons offlexible material, more preferably a large number of ribbons of flexiblematerial. In this way, it is possible to ensure a good level ofprotection against pests. Even slight movements of the animal cause theribbons of flexible material to move, so that they move with respect toone another relatively quickly. Because of the arbitrary and frequentcontact between the ribbons of flexible material, there is no steadysurface available for pests. As a result, these pests will always goaway, for example fly off.

[0019] The width of the ribbons of flexible material may in principle beselected as desired. A good pest-repelling action is preferably achievedif the ribbons of flexible material are between 0.1 cm and 5 cm wide,more preferably between 1 and 3 cm wide, and most preferablyapproximately 1.5 cm wide. The most suitable width is to some extentdependent on the material used for the ribbons of flexible material. Forexample, a long ribbon of a heavy material will have considerablemobility, and therefore will be highly effective, even when it is of asmall width. By contrast, a short strip of a light material will requirea somewhat greater width if it is still to be able to effectively driveaway pests and is not to be stopped from functioning by the wind, forexample.

[0020] The length of the ribbons of flexible material is also notsubject to any particular limitations. It may, for example, be between10 cm and 160 cm, depending on the dimensions of the animal and/or thebody parts which are to be protected. For example, on the body of ahorse or a cow, a length of the ribbons of flexible material ofapproximately 150 cm will be more effective than a length of 10 cm. Bycontrast, when they are used to protect the head of a small pony, theribbons have to be no longer than, for example, 25 cm.

[0021] In principle, the device can be of standard design, with ribbonsof flexible material of uniform length. The length selected ispreferably a great length, for example 150 cm, so that it is stillpossible to cut the ribbons to size. This creates a device which caneasily and effectively be adapted to the particular animal which is tobe protected. In a preferred embodiment, the length of the ribbons offlexible material may be adapted to the mean dimensions of the type ofanimal which is to be protected. For example, certain breeds of horseand the like have average dimensions. The length of the ribbons at thelocation of the body parts which are to be protected is preferablyadapted to the dimensions of these parts. For example, the ribbons willbe relatively short at the level of the head, slightly longer at thelevel of the neck and longest, in relative terms, at the level of thebody. In this way, it is possible to provide a wide range of deviceswhich are ready to use.

[0022] The ribbons of flexible material may, for example comprise stripsof flexible plastic, for example rubber. Strands of leather, cord,synthetic hair, etc. are also eminently satisfactory; thin metal linkchains can also be employed. The ribbons of flexible material preferablycomprise strips of flexible plastic. The plastic can be selected fromall types of plastic, such as polypropylene material, polyethylenematerial, etc. The plastics material is advantageously selected frompolyvinyl chloride material. Plastics of this type are very simple andcan be produced at low cost in any desired colour and design.

[0023] The material for the ribbons of flexible material may be solidbut is preferably a porous material. In this context, the term porous isunderstood as meaning that the material includes holes and/or continuousopenings. One advantage of this is that there is even better ventilationof the skin. This is important in particular for those parts of theanimal which are covered by contact with the ribbons of flexiblematerial for a relatively high proportion of the time. Moreover, theporous material has the advantage that it can be treated veryeffectively using a pest-repellent substance. Substances of this typeare commercially available, for example in the form of a liquid or anatomized mist. The porous material can be treated with thepest-repellent substance, in such a manner that this substance isabsorbed by or in the porous material. As a result of theinsect-repellent substance being absorbed in the porous material, thesubstance can continue to act for a much longer time, on account of slowbut prolonged evaporation.

[0024] In an advantageous embodiment of the device according to theinvention, the ribbons of flexible material extend on both sides of theflexible strip. This effectively creates a very good level of protectionagainst pests. In this embodiment, many fewer movements of the body partwhich is to be protected are required in order to drive away pests.

[0025] The device according to the invention may, for example, bearranged over the neck of an animal, for example of a horse. Otherriding and draught animals, and/or cows and the like, can also beprotected in this way. For this purpose, the device may be provided witha set of belts at both ends of the flexible strip. A set of belts isused to attach the device to, for example, the bridle of the horse,while the other set of belts is used to attach the device to the saddle.In this case, the flexible strip preferably extends substantially alongthe cervical vertebrae of the horse. The ribbons of flexible materialhang, for example, on either side of the neck and protect it from pests.Other methods of attachment which are known in the prior art are alsopossible.

[0026] Furthermore, it is also possible to protect the hindquarters ofanimals, for example of horses, against pests. For this purpose, adevice according to the invention, which is once again provided with,for example, two sets of belts, is attached, for example, to the rearside of a saddle and to the start of the tail. Obviously, the curvatureand, if appropriate, also the length of the positioning components haveto be adapted to the shape and dimensions of the body part which is tobe protected. Although when the animal is stationary the protectionprovided with this embodiment is slightly reduced, the protection whenthe animal is moving is ensured sufficiently by the movements of thehindquarters.

[0027] In addition, it is also possible, for unsaddled animals, to use adevice which extends from the top of the head to the start of the tail.In this case too, the curvature and dimensions of the positioningcomponents should preferably be adapted to the shape of the animal. Inthe case of animals which are provided with a nose ring, for examplecows, it is also possible, if desired, for the head, in particular theface, to be protected from pests. For this purpose, a device accordingto the invention can be attached to the nose ring and to any bridlewhich may be pr sent or to the start of the tail. In this case, theflexible strip extends over the centre of the face and, if appropriate,along the backbone. Obviously, the device has to be used with care inthis situation.

[0028] In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the device accordingto the invention, the flexible strip comprises one or more elasticstretchable components. The one or more elastic stretchable componentsenable the length of the flexible strip to be changed under load. Thisis advantageous since the distance between, for example, the top of thehead and the saddle may change if the animal moves its head to the left,to the right, upwards or downwards. The device is located effectivelyif, by changing in length, it can follow the central line of the bodypart which is to be protected without impeding the movement of theanimal.

[0029] The elastic stretchable components may be designed in variousways. For example, one or more elastic components, for example springsor pieces of elastic, may be arranged in the vicinity of the ends of theflexible strip. In addition, it is possible for the flexible stripitself to be produced from an elastic material, for example an elasticplastic, or a sheathed spring. Furthermore, it is possible to design theflexible strip as a set of connecting pieces between the separatepositioning components. One or more of these connecting pieces can thenbe designed as an elastic stretchable component.

[0030] The invention will be explained in more detail below with the aidof the appended drawing, in which:

[0031]FIG. 1 shows a cross section through a device according to theinvention;

[0032]FIG. 2 shows a plan view of a device according to the invention;

[0033]FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of an example of the use of adevice according to the invention.

[0034]FIG. 1 shows a cross section through a device 1 according to theinvention. In this figure, 2 denotes a ribbon of flexible material, 3denotes a substantially dimensionally stable, curved positioningcomponent, and 4 denotes a flexible strip.

[0035] The ribbons of flexible material 2 may consist of all kinds ofmaterials, for example plastic, leather, hair, cord, synthetic hair,etc. They must be able to move flexibly, so that an animal to which thedevice is fitted can easily drive away any pests by moving its neck orother body parts. The positioning component 3 is used to locate thedevice on the body part. For this purpose, it is substantiallydimensionally stable and curved, preferably so as to follow thecurvature of the body part which is to be protected. It may be made, forexample, from a dimensionally stable plastic or a metal part which iscoated with a plastic or other material which is tolerated by theanimal. The design with the metal core has the advantage that, in use,it is possible to adapt the curvature of the positioning component 3 tothe curvature of the body part which is to be protected byoverstretching it slightly. The flexible strip 4 serves as a connectingelement for the ribbons 2 and also the positioning elements 3. For thispurpose, the flexible strip may be arranged on the ribbons 2, on thepositioning elements 3 or between them. It is also possible for the oneor more ribbons 2 and the flexible strip 4 to be made from a piece offlexible material, the strip 4 being formed by the connected centralsections of the ribbons 2.

[0036]FIG. 2 shows a plan view of a device 1 according to the invention.A flexible strip 4 ends on both sides in a set of belts 5. In each caseone of these belts 5 is provided with a clasp 6. A set of ribbons offlexible material are denoted by 2, and a number of curved,substantially dimensionally stable positioning components are denoted by3. Two elastic stretchable components are indicated by 7.

[0037] The ribbons of flexible material 2 start from the flexible strip4. Over a section of the length of the ribbons 2, they are connected tothe positioning components 3. As a result, the ribbons of flexiblematerial 2 will not become tangled at least in the region of where theyare attached to the flexible strip 4.

[0038] The positioning components 3 form a right angle with the flexiblestrip 4.

[0039] The elastic components 7 are used to absorb differences in lengthof the parts which are to be protected when the animal is moving. Forexample, when a horse bends down in order to drink, the distance betweenthe top of the head and the saddle point increases. The stretchablecomponents 7 are, for example, pieces of elastic material or springswhich, for example, are sheathed in cloth. The sheath is desirable inorder to prevent hair or even pieces of skin of the animal becomingtrapped between turns of the spring.

[0040] The device may be provided with means for adjusting the length(when stationary). As a result, a single device can be used for animalsof different sizes. This can be achieved, for example, by connecting thebelts 5 to the flexible strip 4 using a clasp (not shown) which can bemoved and fixed in place.

[0041] The length of the ribbons of flexible material 2 should beselected in such a manner that the body part which is to be protected issubstantially completely covered by the ribbons 2. If the ribbons 2 aretoo long, they can easily be shortened, for example by cutting them.

[0042] In FIG. 3, 8 diagrammatically indicates a horse. The horse 8 isprovided with two devices 1 according to the invention. Both devices 1comprise a set of positioning components 3, a set of ribbons of flexiblematerial 2 and a set of belts S. A device is arranged over the neck 9 ofthe horse 8 and is attached to a bridle 10 and a saddle 11. A seconddevice runs along the hindquarters 12 of the horse 8 and is attached tothe saddle 11 and around the start of the tail 13.

[0043] The positioning components 3 each run along part of the backbone.The ribbons of flexible material 2 in each case protect part of thehorse 8, namely the neck 9 and the hindquarters 12.

[0044] To attach the device 1, it is possible to use the belts 5 andclasps 6 which are shown in FIG. 2. By way of example, the belts 5 canbe fitted around a strap of the bridle 10 and around the point of thesaddle 11. It is also possible to use cords, clips, etc.

[0045] Thus equipped, the horse 8 is effectively protected againstpests, in particular flying pests, such as horseflies and mosquitoes.When using the devices 1 in the manner shown in FIG. 3, it will be easyto remove any pests resting on the neck 9 or the hindquarters 12 ormoving towards them by a simple movement of the body part in question.Since the ribbons of flexible material 2 brush over the skin as a resultof movement of the body part, any pest will be removed effectively. Thisis particularly advantageous for animals which do not have a mane orhave a mane which is too short or whose mane has been made into aspecific, non-functioning style. The device is also particularlysuitable for animals without tail hair or whose tail is unsuitable forcombating pests. In particular, consideration may be given to draughthorses.

1. Device for protecting parts (9, 12) of an animal (8) from pests,which can be releasably attached to one or more of the parts (9, 12) ofthe animal (8) which are to be protected, which device comprises anelongate, flexible strip (4), from which strip one or more ribbons offlexible material (2) lead, extending on at least one side of the strip(4), characterized in that the flexible strip (4) comprises one or moresubstantially dimensionally stable, curved positioning components (3)which are suitable for locating the flexible strip (4) on substantiallya central line of the part or parts (9, 12) of the animal (8) whichis/are to be protected.
 2. Device according to claim 1, characterized inthat at least part of the positioning components (3), starting from theflexible strip (4), extend towards both sides thereof.
 3. Deviceaccording to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that one or more of thepositioning components (3) form substantially a right angle with theflexible strip (4).
 4. Device according to one or more of the precedingclaims, characterized in that the curvature of one or more of thepositioning components (3) substantially follows the local curvature ofthe part or parts (9, 12) of the animal (8) which is/are to beprotected, perpendicular to the central line thereof.
 5. Deviceaccording to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in thatat least one of the ribbons of flexible material (2) is joined to one ormore positioning components (4) over a section of its length.
 6. Deviceaccording to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in thatthe ribbons of flexible material (4) extend on both sides of theflexible strip (4).
 7. Device according to one or more of the precedingclaims, characterized in that the flexible strip (4) comprises one ormore elastic stretchable components (7).